Senate farm bill vote comes today

The Senate ended debate on the farm bill conference report Monday evening, paving the way for final passage today.

By:
Jerry Hagstrom, Agweek

The Senate ended debate on the farm bill conference report Monday evening, paving the way for final passage today.

The cloture vote was 72 to 22.

The vote on final passage is expected to be at about 2:30 p.m. today.

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., said during concluding remarks that she had enjoyed working with ranking member Thad Cochran, R-Miss.

Stabenow said they had a mutual administration of music, especially the blues, which “sometimes we were singing during the process.”

In a Feb. 3 news release, Stabenow said: “This is not your father’s farm bill. Tomorrow, the Senate can enact major reforms to farm programs, end outdated and unnecessary subsidies, and support the transition the American people are already making to a healthier food system. Congress has passed few major deficit reduction bills or major bipartisan jobs bills in recent years. Tomorrow, the Senate can reduce the deficit and help farmers, ranchers and business owners create jobs by passing the 2014 Farm Bill.”

“The Senate has an opportunity to end the uncertainty that has dogged farmers and consumers for years,” Cochran said. “I am grateful that the 2014 farm bill, with its many reforms and deficit reduction measures, is receiving bipartisan support from all regions of the country. This legislation was purposely written to ensure that agriculture policies work to strengthen the diversity of the American agriculture sector, to foster conservation and combat nutrition program abuses.”